Yet another new guy enters the frame.

Treading_Water

Hey
Some debts have to be lived with - a lot cheaper than replacing or paying someone else I think. Also (while not wanting to encourage you into bad ways) a little bit of what you fancy!:shhh:

millionaire_in_training

oh dont worry. I bet its a fraction of what you used to spend. Essential items too

HBFS

millionaire_in_training wrote: »

oh dont worry. I bet its a fraction of what you used to spend. Essential items too

Totally. I would have added a CD or game to that list, and drinks for myself at the pub before I had my LBM!

millionaire_in_training

There you go then!! Be proud of your achievement

HBFS

OK, today was another spending day.

£15.06 at Tesco for food. £10 on topup's.

It's kind of bugging me that I could actually have spent about a fiver less on food if I didn't get side tracked with (semi) luxury items that I like, but weren't entirely needed!! But I suppose, if I know, I won't next time.

cat4772

HBFS - to avoid those impulse buys I write a list and stick to it. That way if we haven't budgeted and planned for a luxury item we just dont buy it (of course all that goes out the window when Wayne comes shopping with me and the bill almost doubles)!

Cat.x

HBFS

cat4772 wrote: »

HBFS - to avoid those impulse buys I write a list and stick to it. That way if we haven't budgeted and planned for a luxury item we just dont buy it (of course all that goes out the window when Wayne comes shopping with me and the bill almost doubles)!

Cat.x

I think I may have to follow that from now on. My weakness for spicy foods gets the better of me!

kittyscarlett

Well done for your efforts, HBFS and keep going ! I agree with regards to the diary - back when I did some additional hours for my weekend job during the week it really was invaluable to keep track ( no need now as weekend still fixed shift and do different job during week ) I am a bit surprised that your work don't supply diaries - both my jobs do. Maybe suggest it to a suitably amenable manager ? if you still have the receipt for this one then maybe they'd be willing to let you claim it back from petty cash ?

I also understand about getting the motivation and energy to sort meals out in advance if you work shifts. It's simultaneously very important ( if you are to eat well and keep your energy levels up ) and very difficult ! what I generally did and do is cater for a range of options - make food and freeze down extras so you have some home made " ready meals " available, freeze bread/cheese/hm soups etc for fast options for any time meals, have things I know I enjoy eating and can concoct meals from as the mood and opportunity takes me. You don't have to give up your enjoyment o spicy foods - come over the Money Saving Old Style board and you can get tips and help for making your own - don't worry if you're not very confident as a cook, practise makes perfect !

HBFS

kittyscarlett wrote: »

Well done for your efforts, HBFS and keep going ! I agree with regards to the diary - back when I did some additional hours for my weekend job during the week it really was invaluable to keep track ( no need now as weekend still fixed shift and do different job during week ) I am a bit surprised that your work don't supply diaries - both my jobs do. Maybe suggest it to a suitably amenable manager ? if you still have the receipt for this one then maybe they'd be willing to let you claim it back from petty cash ?

I also understand about getting the motivation and energy to sort meals out in advance if you work shifts. It's simultaneously very important ( if you are to eat well and keep your energy levels up ) and very difficult ! what I generally did and do is cater for a range of options - make food and freeze down extras so you have some home made " ready meals " available, freeze bread/cheese/hm soups etc for fast options for any time meals, have things I know I enjoy eating and can concoct meals from as the mood and opportunity takes me. You don't have to give up your enjoyment o spicy foods - come over the Money Saving Old Style board and you can get tips and help for making your own - don't worry if you're not very confident as a cook, practise makes perfect !

Thanks for the support and the tips! I'm on my way there now!!

HBFS

Today was again a spend that I didn't really need.

£5.14 on dinner in the work canteen. I just get roped into going because my team have such a laugh at work. I was perfectly happy to not have anything, but somehow I always end up eating!! Grrrr!